Adopting or Buying a Pet

Stray Dogs Sometimes the most wonderful dog just shows up practically on your doorstep. One of the best dogs I ever had was a Miniature Schnauzer that I found late at night in an ice storm as I walked to my car in a library parking lot. No one e...

Shelters and Pounds Chew on This If you're thinking of adopting a shelter dog, ask the shelter staff these questions: What do you know about this dog's background? Do you know why this dog was turned in? Has he shown any behavior problems since...

Where Not to Buy a Dog Puppy mills came into existence after World War II. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encouraged farmers to raise puppies for supplemental income when traditional crops were failing. Retail pet stores sprang up, an...

Backyard Breeders Backyard breeder (known in the dog fancy as a BYB) is a term that means different things to different people. Sometimes it refers to someone who breeds several dogs, maybe several breeds, to make some money. She doesn't do any ...

Pick of the Litter BowWOW A healthy 7- to 12-week-old puppy … Is solid and well proportioned. Is not excessively thin (ribs should not be visible on a baby puppy. Is not potbellied (a thin pup with a potbelly may be infested with roundworms). ...

Finding a Responsible Breeder Most puppies are cute. Darned near irresistible in fact! Please don't be seduced. The little puppy that you bring home with you is going to grow into a dog, and hopefully that dog will be part of your life for a lon...